Faculty Position in Mechatronics & Robotics

Contract Type: Fixed-term, renewable. 3rd contract is open-ended

ABOUT XJTLU

In 2006 Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top ten university in China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang, part of wider Suzhou, where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be a pioneer of, and educational model for, the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include new working partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and exploration of further

potential locations to develop the SE model.

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for UK and other institutional partners. At same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from west and east.

For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT SCHOOL OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

The School of Advanced Technology has five departments (intelligent Science, Computing, Mechatronics and Robotics, Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Communications and networking). As a research and practice-led school our faculty and staff are committed to providing our students with a challenging and stimulating environment, as well as unlocking their full potential. Upon graduation, students will become highly-sought-after candidates with strong academic knowledge as well as extensive transferable skills in communication, team-work and project management.

All academic staff members at the Department of Mechatronics and Robotics (MEC) are research active and have closely engaged with industry in and around Suzhou to support the research and development of Suzhou’s strategic aim of intelligent manufacturing. Suzhou is one of the top three cities in China and one of the top ten cities in the world in intelligent manufacturing, which provides huge opportunities for research and development, self-development, and employment. With rapidly increased student number, we are seeking applicants with a strong research track record, high level of ambitions, and enthusiasm to engage with our diverse students to join our team.

Areas of expertise in Department of Mechatronics and Robotics: Networked Mechatronic Systems; Robotics and Control; and Product Design and Optimisation.

Informal enquiries about the positions and the Department may be addressed to Head of the Department, Dr. Jie Sun at Jie.Sun@xjtlu.edu.cn

RESPONSIBILITIES

Applicants will have extensive teaching experience, have published high quality papers in their area of expertise, have been successful in obtaining research grants, and have substantial experience in the supervision of research students. The successful candidate, in addition to teaching typically two modules/courses per year (i.e. one per semester), will provide leadership in curriculum development and enhancing our research profile at the international level. They are expected to assume administrative responsibilities based on their experience.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Self-motivated and being able to motivate others;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills;
• Strong team player;
• Proactive and flexible but with good respect for deadlines;
• Able to work in an environment where diversity and inclusiveness is appreciated.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCES

• A PhD in mechatronics, robotics, biomedical engineering, or a closely aligned area and PG
• Cert HE or equivalent;
• Ideally few years of teaching/research experience at a university or equivalent after
• completion of PhD degree;
• PhD supervision capacity;
• Strong publications record in an area of expertise;
• Evidence of success in obtaining research grants;
• Fluency in English.

Successful applicants to more senior professorial ranks are expected to also show:

• A significant record of high-quality academic publications,
• A number of external research grants awards,
• Experience in PhD supervision.

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

• Professional memberships such as BCS, IET, ACM, IEE, IEEE, and HEA;
• Strong knowledge / experience in international higher education.

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the P.R. China.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• Clear career development path with annual review.
• Professional development trainings are provided.

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT

The university provides every new faculty members with Research Development Fund to encourage them to initiate research projects, and Research Engagement Fund provided to support their continuous research activities.

The university will also support all faculty members to apply for national, province and city level programs. These programs aim to support excellent scientists, both Chinese and non-Chinese-citizen, to work and carry out research in China.

Some of the programs are listed in the table below. Successful applications are based on the applicant’s educational background, academic/research field, research achievements, working experience, etc. The university will provide full support on the applications.

Talent/Research Program                                                       Fund

Outstanding Youth Science Foundation Project (Overseas)             RMB 1-3 Million

Innovation Leading Talent                                                            up to RMB 2 Million

Outstanding Leading Talent of International Discipline                    50% of Annual Package

Young Leading Talent of International Discipline                             50% of Annual Package 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as

• Housing allowance
• Travel allowance
• Kids’ education allowance
• Relocation allowance
• Etc.

2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy)

3.Paid holidays:

• Statutory Holidays (11 days)
• Annual Leave (36 days)
• Family Matters Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave
• Etc.

4. Working visa and residence permit in China:

XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including date of birth, country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three References

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Mengyi.Wang@xjtlu.edu.cn.

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